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WATCH: The Simpsons parodies Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office

The Simpsons famously predicted Donald Trump as President of the US some 16 years ago, and now it’s poking fun at the businessman once more.

In a new video to promote the return of the American animated comedy for its 28th season, the Simpsons recreated Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office in their signature style.

In less than two minutes, the clip makes fun of White House infighting, Trump’s penchant for tweeting in bed and Ivanka’s merchandising.

During the video, Trump sits on his bed recounting his proudest moments in office while surrounded by books such as The Small Book of Big Bombs and Killing Is A Good Thing. When he’s given a new bill to read immediately about lowering taxes only for Republican supporters, he asks “Can’t FOX news read it and I’ll watch what they say?”

Finally, the screen switches back to Marge and Homer, who are watching the proceedings on television. Marge polishes off a jar of Prozac that was supposed to last the entire four years. Grampa Simpson is being taken “back to where he came from”.

Speaking last month to Variety, show writer Mike Reiss denied the predictive properties of The Simpsons, claiming Trump was a special case for the show.

He said: “We are not that predictive. Trump is just one of those special cases: 16 years ago we were thinking, ‘What’s the dumbest thing America could do?’, and then they did it!'”

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The Simpsons to air longest-ever episode

The popular animated comedy is set to celebrate 600 episodes in October, and yet none of them have ever reached the hour mark – until now.

FOX announced on Monday (August 8) at the Television Critic’s Association press tour that the special hour-long episode will pay homage to The Great Gatsby with a hip hop twist. In keeping with this theme, the Simpsons has lined up Empire‘s Taraji P. Henson and Key & Peele‘s Keegan-Michael Key to guest star.

The new episode, which is titled “The Great Phatsby”, focuses on Mr. Burns and tells the story of his friends-to-enemies relationship with enigmatic hip hop mogul Jay G.

The decision to supersize the episode was apparently taken after a table reading went incredibly well. Simpsons executive producer Matt Selman told EW: “This was just going to be a regular episode, but the table read went so well, in a fit of passion and excitement and ambition and excess, we decided to supersize it.

“And we haven’t done a huge amount of stories in the world of hip-hop and rap culture, so we just went for it.”

Speaking of the episode’s story, Selman said: “Burns is an old-school Gatsby and Jay G is a new-school Gatsby, and their mutual Gatsbyism brings them together.

But after the pair become friends, Jay G “seduces Burns into the excesses of the hip-hop lifestyle”, bankrupting his pal in order to take over the nuclear power plant.

Henson will play a character much like Cookie on Empire, says Selman, who “teams up with Burns and Homer and Bart and our all-star team of rappers to help get revenge on Jay G.” Rapper Jazzy James, who will be voiced by Key, will also be on the warpath against Jay G.

Selman continued: “Part 1 of the show I would subtitle as ‘The Betrayal,’ and part 2 I would subtitle as ‘The Revenge.’ It’s kind of like a two-part rap album.”

Jim Beanz, who produces the music for Empire, is also on board to write songs for the special episode.

The Simpsons will air its first hour-long episode in January 2017 in the US.

The Simpsons zings the heck out of Donald Trump in new clip

Homer and Marge declare themselves as Democrats in a new episode of The Simpsons offering a fairly harsh critique of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The two minute gag, entitled ‘3 a.m.’,… read more

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The Simpsons zings the heck out of Donald Trump in new clip

Homer and Marge declare themselves as Democrats in a new episode of The Simpsons offering a fairly harsh critique of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

The two minute gag, entitled ‘3 a.m.’, shows Homer and Marge watching a late-night infomercial “paid for by people who are really starting to miss Obama”, which goes on to depict Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump’s different responses in an emergency.

While Hillary gets off relatively unscathed, shown taking the reigns in her relationship with husband and former POTUS Bill, Trump gets a rather more negative treatment, shown curled up in bed reading a book of speeches by Adolf Hitler, continuing his obsessive Twitter beef with Senator for Massachusetts Elizabeth Warren, and later receiving a lengthy ‘makeover’ which entails a whole lot of orange spray and a primped up pooch.

Other blink-and-you’ll miss them details that cracked us up include a glimpse at Trump’s phone call history, which includes Vladimir Putin and Michelle Obama’s speechwriter, and the framed picture of his big-game hunting sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.

Whether the animated clip is an hilarious sendup or liberal propaganda is up to viewer discretion.

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The Devil Wears Prada turns 10! Motivational quotes from the worst TV and film bosses

Is there some reason that my coffee isn’t here? Has she died or something?

Those chilling words can only have come from the immortal lips of Meryl Streep in her iconic role as Miranda Priestly in the hilarious fashion comedy (is that a thing?) The Devil Wears Prada.

This year celebrates the 10th anniversary of the release of The Devil Wears Prada – the ultimate terrifying insight into the word of fashion magazines. In the film, Anne Hathaway stumbles into the dream job of being PA to the editor of a high fashion magazine. She quickly discovers that her boss Miranda (Meryl Streep) is an absolute nightmare and has her working all hours of the day doing both the most menial tasks and the utterly impossible. Miranda’s character is said to have been based on Anna Wintour, Editor of US Vogue – one of the most notoriously intimidating people on the planet.

In celebration of the best bullying boss out there, we put together some motivational quotes from some of the scariest TV bosses to inspire you to greatness.

Miranda Priestly – The Devil Wears Prada

The details of your incompetence do not interest me.

Take a leaf out of Miranda’s book and ensure you create an atmosphere of absolute fear.

–

Mr Montgomery Burns – The Simpsons

Aside from his evil ways, just seeing this creepy, spindly old man every day would be enough to put you off your break time doughnuts.

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VIDEO: The Simpsons live episode an awkward and conservative disappointment

To mark its 595th episode, 27 year-old animated sitcom The Simpsons made a desperate bid to remain current by making TV history last night (15 May 2016) with a three minute live segment in which Homer answered questions from fans. Cleverly titled “Simprovised”, the much anticipated episode saw the iconic yellow character answering phone calls live on air from the ‘Fox Studios Secret bunker’ (which was later revealed to be a flimsy set built in the Simpson family’s living room).

The groundbreaking live animation technique was enabled by motion capture technology, which tracked the head and arm movements of Homer voice actor Dan Castellaneta, and immediately animated them for broadcast across the United States and several international markets. A 7-second delay prevented pranksters from asking inappropriate questions live on air, but awkwardness nevertheless ensued as each caller proceeded to tentatively speak over Castellaneta as he fielded the questions.

Check out the segment in full here:

The result? Ultimately, the filter that producers placed on the calls received made for a watered down and conservative segment, as experienced improviser Castellaneta scrambled to come up with fresh, witty responses to predictable questions.

Executive producer Al Jean predicted Homer would field “at least 80% Trump questions”, yet the most controversial territory breached was first caller Hannah’s question of “Who do you like more, Lenny or Carl?”

Following queries such as “What kind of car do you drive”, and “Do you prefer Chicago deep dish or New York style pizza?” were so basic and outdated that the segment may as well have been prerecorded.

Even Homer’s opening address, which was no doubt heavily planned in advance, was unfunny and out of touch. “Just to prove we’re live, on Saturday Night Live last night, Drake was terrible”, he said.

As a result, the Twitter reaction to #SimpsonsLive ranged from disappointment to downright confusion:

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9 sexy film and TV moments that shouldn’t be PG

All of these films and TV shows were rated U or PG. How? We’re not sure. These moments certainly managed to get us hot under the collar. Maybe these characters’ overt sexuality goes straight over the heads of the 5-year-old demographic these shows are aimed at.

We reckon we’ve sussed how these producers get away with their outrageous sexy scenes: make it a cartoon. Apparently if you’ve drawn a bunny being exceedingly provocative it won’t offend anyone as much as a real-life actual woman would. That, or release your film 30 years ago…

Splash – rated PG

Tom Hanks first hit film told the heartwarming tale of a boy saved from drowning by a mermaid. 20 years later when he’s all grown up, said mermaid finds her way on to dry land and they fall in love. The only issue is, upon her arrival to New York City, the forgetful mermaid has forgotten to bring any human clothes with her and so casually strolls towards the Statue of Liberty completely naked. Oh I say.

Aladdin – rated U

Oh Disney, hang your head in shame. When the evil Jafar ignores the genie’s warnings that a love spell won’t work on Princess Jasmine, he carries on anyway. In order to convince Jafar that it’s worked – and buy Aladdin more time – Jasmine takes it upon herself to play the part. The innocent, dutiful daughter instantly transforms into a sultry seductress guaranteed to get pulses racing.

Nala and Simba’s reunion is celebrated with the catchy romantic number, “Can you feel the love tonight?” After a bit of rough and tumble in the jungle, Nala lays on the seduction THICK with these come-to-bed eyes. And you just know it’s going down tonight.

Space Jam – rated U

Whoever thought the humble rabbit would gain such a reputation for being sexy? After Playboy had their way with the woodland creature there was no going back. Looney Tunes perpetuated this image with their creation of Lola Bunny, Bugs’ eventual girlfriend. Her first appearance in Space Jam solidified her status as a bizarre pin-up… and a terrible role model for young girls if we’re being critical…

Who Framed Roger Rabbit? – rated PG

Those boobs, those hips, that waist: Jessica Rabbit is the epitome of sex appeal. Ignoring the fact that she would be physically unable to walk if she existed in real life, this saucy cartoon character still manages to ooze allure with every sway of her hip and wink of her eye. Her chest literally fills the screen at times guaranteeing this as one of those films your dad probably took you to.

X-Men: The Animated Series

Part of the mutant X-Men team, Rogue has absorption powers that she uses liberally and not always morally. Well, she must have absorbed a hell of a lot of sexy from someone because this girl knew how to work a skintight catsuit and a bit of red lippy. A popular cosplay costume choice, Rogue’s sauciness permanently embedded itself in the minds of many comic book fans sending X-Men’s Rogue straight from PG to X-rated .

The Simpsons

No one wants to admit it, but Marge has some serious sex appeal. Homer sees it, Mr. Burns sees it, and we see it. Instead of shying away from her innate sexuality, Mrs Simpson fully embraces it, showing up in a number of racy outfits throughout the series and making us question this show being on at 6pm in the UK.

Jean said: “It’s quite possible that we don’t have to go through the whole negotiation for 30. I wouldn’t be stunned if we stopped at 28, but my bet is on at least 30. But then you’d have to resign them again.

“If you made me pick one, I’d say the likeliest is ending after 30, but I’ve been wrong before. I thought five seasons was good when I got there [laughs].”

The Simpsons has just returned for its twenty-seventh season in the States, while the hit animated comedy is still airing season twenty-six in the UK.

Jean also dismissed rumours that Homer and Marge will divorce in the new season, saying: “We get away with a lot of stuff, but people want Homer with Marge; people want Lisa to have a little sense that she might win someday; they want Bart not to be all bad. There’s stuff you have to obey because that’s what people want in the show. People consider The Simpsons as an extended family now; they take it seriously.”

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Smithers Will Come Out in Simpsons Season 27

In a move that will shock no-one, popular Simpsons‘ character Waylon Smithers will come out to his boss Mr Burns in the show’s anticipated 27th season.

Producer Al Jean announced the character’s voyage for self-acceptance as a major theme in the upcoming season with his coming out a method for doing this – though we imagine many Simpsonians will not be surprised by the big reveal.

He continued: “We deal with that in two episodes. We actually do a lot with Smithers this year; he gets fed up with Burns not appreciating him and considers his options.”

The show has dropped hints about Smithers’ sexuality throughout the seasons: He hangs out in the gay part of town and has vacationed at an all-male resort and – according to the Simpsons Wiki – there is an implied romantic relationship between Smithers and a male shop owner.

Smithers’ defining characteristic, however, is his utter infatuation with Mr. Burns, as depicted in elaborate fantasy sequences. In an episode in which residents of Springfield are facing the end of the world, Smithers even kisses Burns, though it’s explained away when the Earth keeps spinning.

So, undoubtedly, the announcement will change the dynamic of the long-running gag on the show surrounding Smithers’ sexuality and his unrequited love for his elderly boss. However, he will not be the first Simpsons character to come out, as Marge’s sister Patty and Duffman have both revealed their sexualities in the past.

Most notably the news comes following fan relief earlier this year, when Smithers and Mr Burns voice actor Harry Shearer signed a new deal after previously announcing his departure from the cartoon, and suggests a new direction for the pair in the show’s immediate future.

The Simpsons returned to screens in the US on September 27th and will appear on UK television towards the end of 2015.

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International Women’s Day: TV’s Most Badass Women

There are so many badass women kicking butt on TV in 2015! While this is something we think should be celebrated every day of the year, Sunday is International Women’s Day, so we’ve compiled a hells-yeah list of feisty females who bring the fire to our favourite shows on TV. Can we get an ‘amen!’?

Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson) – Empire

It’s an undisputed fact that Cookie Lyon is the reason everyone’s watching Empire. Cookie slays every scene in the show by having the loudest voice, the loudest outfit, and the loudest attitude at all times. She’s not afraid to throw a shoe at her ex-husband, beat her youngest son with a broom, and generally show everyone who’s boss. In a room with Naomi Campbell and Courtney Love, she’s still queen bee. Even better, the woman’s got substance. On top of being a straight up thug-diva, Cookie’s a shrewd business woman, a protective and supportive mother, and a caring ex-wife to Lucious when she needs to be. She’s fierce but fair, and she’s rightly taking the world by storm.

Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) – Parks and Recreation

Parks and Rec may have come to an end last month, but the legend of Leslie will live on forever. Ms. Knope taught us it’s totally possible to be goofy, girly and powerful all at the same time, and we’ve loved watching her develop into one of comedy’s most empowering women over the past six years. We also love the impact her influence has had on the other ladies in the show, namely April and Donna, who’ve grown to own their awesomeness more and more under her tutelage. Oh, and ladies celebrating ladies over breakfast? We think every day should be Galentine’s Day.

Jessica Huang (Constance Wu) – Fresh Off the Boat

The matriarch in a house of three sons, this woman knows how to take control of a situation and shut it down. So far she’s mowed down some dine-and-dashers in her car and proceeded to pelt them with onions, taught her kids not to date rape, and carved out a career for herself as a realtor when no advertised jobs were paying high enough for her time. Best of all, this badass character is based on the real life Jessica Huang (mother of the show’s creator Eddie Huang), who had this to say about herself: “My sons always told me that I’m too loud and I need to not be so loud. I told them they just have to get used to it because that’s who I am!”. Heck yes.

Lisa Simpson (voiced by Yeardley Smith) – The Simpsons

Almost like a cartoon prototype of Leslie Knope, Lisa Simpson has been teaching little girls it’s cool to be smart since before I was born. Remember when she challenged sexism in the doll industry in ‘Lisa vs. Malibu Stacey’, or the time she took on Mr Burns’s environmental irresponsibility in ‘The Old Man and the Lisa’? A daily reminder that even society’s youngest women can make a positive difference to the world and grow up to be whoever they want to be, the influence had by this tiny role model is simply immeasurable.

Caitlin Snow (Danielle Panabaker) – The Flash

Dr. Caitlin Snow is everything we want to be; caring and loyal, brave in the face of danger, a bio-engineering genius, and yet still able to laugh at herself being a dork. We love how she’s not intimidated by anyone, and completely owns her place in the typically ‘male’ world of S.T.A.R Labs. More often than not she’s the voice of reason, finding the perfect solution to the practical problem or moral dilemma at hand, and generally showing the rest of them how it’s done. Sure, The Flash canon has her on a predestined trajectory to becoming a super-villain, but Dr. Snow can nevertheless do no wrong in our eyes.

Jane Villanueva (Gina Rodriguez) – Jane The Virgin

Moral, compassionate, hard-working: Jane Villanueva is almost too good to be true, and completely unafraid to stick up for herself. What other woman on television has worked three jobs as a teacher, scriptwriter and waitress, whilst heavily pregnant with a baby she didn’t even naturally conceive? NOBODY. She’ll go to any lengths to look after her family, like braving the worst thunderstorm ever in search of her grandmother’s rosary. We wish we could be a bit more like Jane! That’s one lucky (if unexpected) baby she’s bringing into the world!

Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) – How To Get Away With Murder

Prof. A. Keating is on here for many reasons including managing her own law practice, being a university professor and being damn good at everything she does. She’ll win your defence case if you let her (providing she wants to). She’ll hold her head up regardless of the whole heap of awfulness that is her personal life, and you’ll never notice anything was wrong. But despite her fierce success, she cares for her students and clients, she’s loyal (we think!), and she holds no prejudice towards anyone who might need her help. She also gives one epic speech in court.

Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) – Game of Thrones

Victim-turned-leader and fighter for freedom Daenerys Targaryen is GoT‘s obvious choice for badass woman. Abused by her brother and forced to marry for political gain, Dany escaped her brother’s clutches and became the assertive, compassionate and well-respected leader we know her as today. Even after losing her beloved husband and child, she’s still determined to fight for those who have less than she does. She’s also the only potential candidate for monarch in the Seven Kingdoms right now making an honest effort at learning how to rule a country, so we have to give her props for that.